Reading is always a great hobby, but something about the summer months makes me want to read a bit more. I also find myself drawn to lighter books and so would like to share xx beach reads with you
What Is Considered a Beach Read?
A beach read is, quite frankly, any book you’d read at the beach or while on vacation. For some people, that means deep philosophical novels or dark fantasy. If that’s your preference, go for it. Personally, I prefer books that deal with lighter themes.
A beach read for me is something that can be easily consumed. While I may have a few epiphanies and learn something about myself and God, I don’t have to draw for the tissues.
That being said, let’s talk about what makes a good beach read.
What Makes a Good Beach Read?
A good beach read for me has the following elements:
- Great cover: they say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but I do, and if you’re really honest with yourself, you probably do too. I’m drawn to books that remind me of summer or whose pretty cover hints at a lovely story on the inside. (If they have something beachy on the cover, that’s a plus).
- Light themes: for a beach read I won’t pick up a world war novel. I’ll also avoid topics like death or depression, as books with those themes tend to be more somber in tone.
- Fun characters: okay, I know there are those who love plot-driven stories and there’s a time and place for that, but for a beach read it’s all about the characters (unless you have one of those books where the plot just sweeps you away 🤪).
What are some good summer reads?
Okay, so now that you know all about what I consider makes a good beach read, here are some options you may want to consider adding to your reading list.
Can’t Buy Me Love
This book by Andrea Christenson and Susan May Warren takes readers back to the Deep Haven community. If you’ve never read a Deep Haven book before, you’ll find the natives accommodating and sweet (most of them).
Why it’s a good beach read: Can’t Buy Me Love is a sweet fairytale retelling that reminds readers that Prince Charming may not look the way you expect him to. You’re also reminded that even without a prince, your Heavenly Father loves you and sees you as a princess.
Purchase on Amazon | Christianbook
Once Upon A Summer
This collection of fairytale retelling revisits favorite fairytales with a modern-day twist. Andrea Boyd, Toni Shiloh, Teresa Tysinger, and Jaycee Weaver team up to give you a charming summer collection.
Why it’s a good beach read: the stories are fun and easy to read. Each novella will reinforce your faith and remind you that, despite what you’re going through, God is with you all the way.
Purchase Once Upon A Summer on Amazon
Once Upon A Royal Summer
In Once Upon A Royal Summer by Teri Wilson, a fairytale princess meets a real prince and gets a chance at happily ever after.
Why it’s a good beach read: the characters are charming and will make you believe princes can fall in love with the girl next door.
Purchase on Once Upon A Royal Summer Amazon | Barnes & Noble
To Save A King
To Save A King is book 2 in Rachel Hauck’s True Blue Royal series. The reader spends time with the widowed crown prince who meets a woman who makes him wonder if a man can fall in love twice in a lifetime.
Why it’s a good beach read: this second-chance romance has powerful themes of redemption and renewal. To Save A King will remind you that no matter what you’ve done in your past, God can redeem it if you’re willing to turn it over to Him.
Purchase To Save A King on Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Winning the Gentleman
This sweet tale by Tari Faris takes you into the small town of Heritage with its quirky characters and the gigantic metal hippo that moves.
Why it’s a good beach read: You Belong With Me reminds you that family can be found in the oddest places and that regardless of your past, you have a future in Christ.
Purchase on Amazon | Baker Publishing
Let It Be Me
Let It Be Me by Becky Wade is book 2 in the Misty River Romance collection and continues the story of the Miracle 5.
Why it’s a good beach read: There’s a bit of a love triangle and for a time it seems as if the better match will not happen, but then it does and it’s oh-so-satisfying.
Purchase Let It Be Me on Amazon | Baker Publishing
All That Really Matters
At the beginning of this story, Molly seems like a girl who’s only out for a good time (and to increase her Instagram follower numbers) but she’ll quickly steal your heart. She matures over the course of the book and you’ll find yourself rooting for her.
Why it’s a good beach read: All That Really Matters is a coming-of-age story. It also shows the transforming power of God. You will feel invested in the community created among the characters cheering when they succeed.
Purchase All That Really Matters: Amazon | Baker Publishing
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